For the NBA, it seems the biggest headlines they receive are of the off-court variety. The summer of 2010 was fun-filled and each year since has had its moments. The “Melo-Drama” that the league endured as Carmelo Anthony forced his way out of Denver and into New York, seems to be all the rage again.
It has been reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports that Carmelo Anthony is leaning towards leaving New York as he targets Houston and Chicago as possible landing spots, according to CBSSports.com. Remember the “I’m coming home” marketing pieces that Madison Square Garden so intelligently created for Melo’s homecoming to New York City? Well, that’s gone and buried now.
Melo, 30 years old, is still without a championship. He is feeling the pressure of needing to win one soon and apparently thinks Phil Jackson and New York cannot get it done quick enough.
A recent meeting Melo had with the Knicks front office has left him with this recent mind-set. It has also been reported that Knicks newly minted President Phil Jackson has urged the star forward to wait on his opt-out clause until after the 2014-15 season, according to ESPN.com.
It seems Anthony will have none of that discussion and is opting out of the mega-contract now. Both the Rockets and Bulls will have to clear some cap space in order to bring Melo aboard. As we know though, as seen in Miami, anything can be done to manipulate this soft financial restrictions of this league’s salary cap.
It begs the question: is this what Phil Jackson actually wants? Only the “Zen-Master” could plot a scheme like this. Tell Melo to wait until after next season. This enrages him and makes him feel unwanted in the city. Phil can claim he always wanted him back, but most realize that he wanted to build around a different type of player.